What is power steering?

Power Assisted Steering, or ‘PAS' as it is also known, is a mechanism that helps you to steer your car.
In most vehicles, the PAS relies on a hydraulic system to aid turning the vehicle's wheels.
If you have ever driven a car with no Power Steering you will have most certainly noticed the difference between having PAS and not.
Power Steering used to be a luxury in certain vehicles, but nowadays it is almost standard in every type of vehicle.

Why is power steering important?

In the early days of the automotive industry, power-assisted steering was a luxury and was only available in high-end vehicles. Most new cars now have it as standard. That’s because they’ve become heavier, with wider tyres and front wheel drive, and would be extremely difficult to drive without PAS. This makes a car not only more pleasant to drive, but safer to drive too.

How does power steering work?

Hydraulic power-assisted steering

There are two types of hydraulic power-assisted steering: rack & pinion and the recirculating ball. Rack & pinion is the most common. The recirculating ball is far less common and only really exists in vans and trucks. Both have high-pressure hoses that connect the steering rack to the two sides of the centre seal. One hose sends hydraulic fluid from the power-steering pump to the steering mechanism, while the other directs fluid back to the pump. When turned left or right, the steering wheel’s steering mechanism allows the hydraulic fluid to pass to respective side of the steering rack, pushing the seal and rack in the necessary direction.

Electric power-assisted steering

Electric power-assisted steering is fully electric. The wheels of the car receive direct assistance from an electric motor which is mounted on either the steering rack or steering column or directly to the steering rack. Sensors decide how much assistance to apply at any time.

What causes power steering problems?

Hydraulic power-assisted steering

When hydraulic fluid lubricates and seals the power-steering pump and hoses to prevent corrosion it can leak or gradually become less effective, making it harder to turn the steering wheel. Typically, a mechanic will check hydraulic fluid levels during an annual service.

Electric power-assisted steering

If the electric motor fails, power-assisted steering will stop working, so the motor would need replacing. As with any electrical system, software problems can occur, necessitating an update.

What are the signs that a car needs power-steering repairs?

When you see a transparent fluid patch under the car.

If the car’s steering wheel feels harder to turn than normal.

When there’s a squeaking or groaning noise when turning the wheel of the car.

How long does a power-steering repair take?

1 - 2 hours.

How much does a repair to power steering cost?

Up to £1,000, but could be much less depending on your type of car and the labour rate of the garage you select.

About Renault

Another French company churning out good-looking vehicles, Renault has been in the business of making cars since 1899.
The alliance of Renault with Nissan (conveniently called the Renault-Nissan Alliance) make up the fourth largest automotive
group in the world.

Renault is also widely known for its role in motor sport, particularly Formula 1. Early work on mathematical curve modelling
used on Renault car bodies is an important, but little known, part of the history of computer graphics. Renault began to take part in
motorsport early in the 20th century, largely due to Marcel Renault’s own interest in the sport. Over the years, Renault acquired multiple
companies with sporting connections, and in the 1970s set up its own dedicated motorsport division, Renault Sport, winning both the
Le Mans 24 Hours race and the Renault Alpine A442.

But back to the world outside of motor sport! Back in 2013, the newest Renault vehicles had the lowest average CO2 emissions among
European generalist brands, average at 110.1g/km.

What do you need from your garage?

You may live within walking distance of a garage which offers most of the services you need. However, by sticking
with the nearest garage in Chesterfield you could be missing out on a better deal. What if a garage with a collection / drop
off service or courtesy car could do the same job at a good price, without the inconvenience of losing your car for the
duration of the repair? BookMyGarage allows you to search for local garages which offer this facility, and compare their
prices, all in one session.